Mediterranean : Star Clipper : Seven night Southern Cyclades

Greek fishermen bring their catch to shore at the end of the day. Their craggy faces are etched by long days at sea, toiling under the same sun that rose and set over their ancestors

Long ago, these islands were the landing places for an endless tide of invaders from far off lands. From ancient Phoenicia, Persia, the Peloponnesus, Imperial Rome and Constantinople they came. Followed by waves of European Crusader knights, Genoan mariners, Venetian merchants and turbanned Turkish troops of the Ottoman Empire. They stormed ashore to conquer, only to be vanquished by time and absorbed into the dry volcanic earth. All that remains are their stone ruins, ghostly shapes wrapped in myth and mystery. Today the Cyclades are an inviting playground for pleasure seekers aboard Star Clippers. White-washed churches point tilted Greek crosses heavenward in skies of brilliant blue, while sun worshippers bask on the beaches under Helios’ golden gaze. Twisting cobblestone alleyways lead to tavernas where octopus salad and ouzo are in order. Ancient Minoan palaces and medieval fortresses whisper tales of pagan rites and knightly rituals. In hidden coves, Star Clipper finds harbours where pristine sands and warm crystalline waters beckon you to explore underwater grottos while beachgoers laze away under sunblessed skies; yet another dream-like day in the mythic, magical Cyclades

Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens, Greece

Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. In the soaring, subtly curved Doric columns of the Parthenon you see the masterful hand of Pericles, Athens’ greatest general and builder. And in the ethereally graceful bodies of the Karyatids supporting the porch of the Erectheum, you behold the beauty of the immortals. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicentre of western civilisation, is a city for all eternity. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

Our graceful ships fly along the waves, just like the legendary clippers of a century and a-half ago. And this is as much an adventure in highly evolved relaxation as it is in tradition. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Rhodes, Greece

The beautiful island of Rhodes (Island of Roses) has a rich and varied history. The beach at Lindos is among the best on the island, whose capital, Rhodes Town is a bustling mecca for both sightseers and shoppers alike. This thriving port provides access to the many beautiful sights on this popular island. On the Eastern coast of Rhodes, poised high above two spectacular bays is the Acropolis of Lindos below which one can find a labyrinth of winding streets and dazzling white buildings. Lindos was once the principal city of the island before the founding of Rhodes Town in 408 BC. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Bodrum, Turkey

Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, this was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolu’s Tomb (4th century BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbour, Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th century crusader architecture, and has been converted into a Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Dalyan River, Turkey

At first glance, this is a picture one hardly expects to see in Turkey. A lovely, unspoiled lake teeming with fish, a lush marshy delta, verdant farmlands, a lazy, reed-fringed river meandering into the sea. And a lonely, deserted beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. But the sea is an incredibly clear blue, and on the bottom are ruins of an ancient civilisation. On shore, you can see ruins of the Lycian city of Caunos, with its basilica and fortifications looming over the green marsh where endangered Caretta loggerhead turtles hatch in the spring. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano’s caldera Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Hydra, Greece

It looks barren and rocky, but the narrow harbour of Hydra hides a surprise, a town of stately mansions all built around 1800 by blockade runners who had made fortunes outwitting the British during the Napoleonic Wars. Many of Hydra’s merchants were also celebrated naval heroes during the Greek fight for independence from Turkey in the 1820s. Another surprise is that there are no cars, so if you want to see the spectacular view from the Monastery of Ilias you’ll have to ride a donkey to the top. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Athens, Greece

Enjoy breakfast before departing for the return journey home Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Star Clipper : Seven nights Southern Cyclades - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
04/10/2008	£1,546
02/05/2009	£1,591
16/05/2009	£1,591
30/05/2009	£1,591
13/06/2009	£1,591
27/06/2009	£1,591
01/08/2009	£1,591
05/09/2009	£1,591
19/09/2009	£1,591
03/10/2009	£1,591
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Price based on category 3 Cabin, upgrades available on request
Third person sharing rates available on request
Transfer rates available on request
Supplements
07/05/2008 - 04/10/2008: Port charges: £130
07/05/2008 - 04/10/2008: Approx flight prices: £407
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Port charges: £135
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Approx flight price: £407

Prices for single travellers:

Star Clipper : Seven nights Southern Cyclades - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
04/10/2008	£2,318
02/05/2009	£2,386
16/05/2009	£2,386
30/05/2009	£2,386
13/06/2009	£2,386
27/06/2009	£2,386
01/08/2009	£2,386
05/09/2009	£2,386
19/09/2009	£2,386
03/10/2009	£2,386
Notes
Prices are per person.
Price based on category 3 Cabin, upgrades available on request
Guaranteed single rates available on request
Transfer rates available on request
Supplements
07/05/2008 - 04/10/2008: Port charges: £130
07/05/2008 - 04/10/2008: Approx flight prices: £407
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Port charges: £135
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Approx flight price: £407

What's Included?

• Watersports

  All passengers have access to a watersports programme which includes: snorkelling, scuba diving, Sunfish sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing. Please note: all watersports are complimentary except for scuba diving. A certification card is required for scuba diving. A medical consent form is required for passengers wishing to become PADI Resort Certified during the cruise. Introductory Scuba Diving Courses are also available.

• Meals are scheduled as follows:

  6.30 to 10.30am Continental style breakfast, coffee, tea, pastries and juices in the Piano Bar.

  8.00 to 10.00am Breakfast buffet in the dining room.

  12.00 to 2.00pm Lunch buffet on board.

  5.00 to 6.00pm Hors d’oeuvres available in the Tropical Bar or Piano Bar

  7.30 to 10.00pm Dinner ‘à la carte’ in the Dining Room.

  11.30 to 12.30pm Midnight snack.

  Sometimes a deck lunch or beach barbecue will also be organised.

What's NOT Included?

• International flights, but these can be arranged for you
• Gratuities

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The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind and weather conditions.

DOCUMENTARY AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS . A full valid passport is required for all holidays, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the UK. The passenger is responsible for ensuring compliance with all necessary visa and other documentary requirements for the entire holiday, and shall have received all medical inoculations necessary

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